Post on Social Media Prompts Internal Affairs Investigation; Officer on Administrative Leave

(March 14, 2016)- A post on a popular social media site has prompted an Internal Affairs investigation, with the involved Officer on administrative leave.

Yesterday morning, Cape Coral Police were notified of a video that was posted to Facebook, purportedly showing a Cape Coral Police Officer involved in a physical altercation with another subject.

Upon reviewing the video, Chief of Police, Bart Connelly directed the Professional Standards Bureau to open an Internal Affairs investigation. The involved Officer was immediately placed on administrative duty.

Detectives with the Professional Standards Bureau immediately contacted the involved parties and have begun to gather statements and evidence. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

This morning, the administrative duty was amended and the involved Officerofficer was placed on administrative leave.

Media was provided this written statement yesterday(amended to reflect the change from administrative duty to administrative leave):

"As a CALEA and CFA accredited agency, the Cape Coral Police Department maintains a culture of professionalism that does not tolerate the use of excessive force against any person at any time. The agency also maintains the responsibility to our community to protect our citizens and officers which unfortunately at times, involves the use of physical force.

We have seen the video of the incident. Pursuant to department policy, accreditation standards, and Florida State Statutes, a comprehensive Internal Affairs investigation will take place to establish the details surrounding this incident, to include a finding of fact, which will be made public upon its completion. If it is determined through this investigation that these actions were inappropriate, we will hold ourselves accountable.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.